3 Steps to Connect with Your Authentic Self for a Happier Life

“We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.” ~Buddha

When I was in my early twenties I lived in the party capital of Australia—the Gold Coast in Queensland. It was the eighties, I was a fashion designer, and for me another night meant another party!

In those days it was all about glamour. The more glamorous you were and the more glitter you had, the better off and happier you’d be. At least that’s what everybody told me.

And while I wasn’t really into any of it—I was more down to earth than that—I was misguided into false illusions of happiness. I was led to believe that succeeding as a fashion designer would make me happy and give me the life that dreams were made of.

Nothing could have been further from the truth.

The only thing I succeeded in achieving was living a counterfeit life. On the surface, I was all smiles and shiny—everyone thought my life was perfect. But underneath it all I was miserable.

I had to do something. I had to change my life, because if there was one thing that I was sure of, it was this: No amount of partying or material success could fill the aching void I felt within.

Cutting A Very Different Cloth

After two years of searching and attending countless “spiritual” courses, I found what I was looking for on the other side of the country in Perth, Western Australia.

There I attended a retreat, read a book, and met the author, an Indian Swami. He was an incredible man. He was cool, calm, and composed, full of wisdom, wit, and humility.

They say that when the student is ready the teacher appears, and I couldn’t have been more ready. Six weeks later I was in India, studying Vedanta—India’s ancient philosophy and best-kept secret.

Today, as a result, I cut a very different cloth. I get up every morning the same time I used to stagger to bed!

I practice being true to myself and I try to live an authentic life, based on giving rather than taking.

Before going to India I was deluded, selfish, and unhappy. It was all about me. It was only when I studied the philosophy that I realized the connection between selfishness and unhappiness.

I realized that the more selfish we are, the less happy we will be. And the more selfless we are, the happier we will be.

The Bliss of Selflessness

Selflessness is disconnecting from ego and connecting with your essential self. It’s being in your element, without trying to be something other than what you are.

And the good news is you can learn how to be selfless by simply observing nature. If you can, take a few minutes and walk outside.

Notice how every flower, every plant, and every tree is an exquisite expression of itself. Each one is what it is. A rose is a rose. A tree is a tree. They aren’t trying or struggling to be anything other than what they are. And that’s what makes them beautiful.

Animals also are magnificent manifestations of themselves. They don’t fight against their true nature. They are what they are. And that’s why we love animals.

So too, we are who we are. Yet, unlike nature and animals, our ego gets in the way and prevents us from being ourselves. It wants us to believe that we are someone we are not. Just as my ego wanted me to define myself as a successful fashion designer living on the Gold Coast.

This was not who I was. It was a false version of me. But at the time I didn’t know who I was meant to be.

As a result I craved acceptance and approval from others. I wanted to fit in and be liked by everyone I met. I put on an act to impress, while trying to camouflage awkward feelings of inadequacy.

To avoid this from happening to you, you need to connect with who you really are. Below are 3 steps that will help you connect with your authentic self:

Step 1: Set the connection direction.

Before embarking on any journey, it’s crucial to know where you’re going. Otherwise, how can you expect to get there?

The journey you’re about to embark on is connection—connection with your authentic self. This is your goal, and by setting this as your highest priority in life, it will give you direction. You will know exactly where you’re going. All you need now is the determination to get there.

Step 2: Take the time to learn about yourself and discover what you love.

To help you unravel the mystery of who you are, you need to wind the clock back to when you were a child. Our childhood reveals a great deal about ourselves, and if we don’t acknowledge this stage of our lives, we miss valuable indicators as to who we are now meant to be.

So what did you love to do as a child? Ask yourself this question again and again until you’re satisfied with the answer. If you can’t remember, ask your family and relatives. They should be able to assist.

If not, then find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and ask yourself these questions:

What is the one thing that makes you truly happy?

What makes you feel like you are in your element?

What makes you feel like you wouldn’t want to be doing anything else?

Which activities make you lose track of time?

If you were to teach something, what would it be?

Imagine yourself at 85; what would you regret not having done in your life?

Taking the time to answer these questions will help you to learn more about yourself and discover what you are meant to be doing with your life.

If you are still struggling, don’t worry. It may take time to gain self-knowledge, but if you reflect upon it every morning, you will start connecting with your true self.

After some time, the penny will drop. You’ll have an epiphany. You’ll realize that this—whatever this is—is what you are meant to be doing.

Step 3: Do what you love in a way that helps others.

Once you discover what you love, you need to find some way to actualize your talents, whether that’s through your work or outside of it. This can be challenging and it may not happen in an instant, but persevere with it, because you’re dealing with your life and your happiness.

What helps is to think of ways where you can do what you love and at the same time help others.

When you love what you do, it’s much easier to focus on the present activity. At that moment there is no ego functioning. At that moment you are in your element, and without you even being aware of it you are giving yourself 100 percent.

You are selflessly expressing who you are as you are. Then, as Buddha says, joy follows you like a shadow and never leaves you.

See a typo, an inaccuracy, or something offensive? Please contact us so we can fix it!

After suffering severe heartache and loss in her twenties, Meredith travelled to India to learn the meaning and purpose of life. Now, through Clear Thinking, she helps people discover their purpose and find peace of mind, so that they can live happy and fulfilled lives. Connect with Meredith through her Facebook page.

Announcement: Tired of feeling stuck? Let go of the past and create a life you love with the Tiny Buddha course!

Did you enjoy this post? Please share the wisdom :)

Great post Meredith, what you write about selflessness is so true and got me thinking of the Zig Ziglar quote “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” Thanks for sharing

Joan Harrison

Meredith, the same happened for me. I was so busy making a living I forget to live. When I stopped to smell the roses the scent was incredible. Why is it that we busy ourselves with so much rubbish before we eventually manage (hopefully) to find what really matters in life? Thanks for reminding me with your post.

Mick Norris

Wow!!! that is soooo wonderful!! Thank you. There is another post on tinybuddha about your authentic self, which is great, but you’ve explained and advised how to do it so its within reach, obtainable and waiting if we just soul search. So insightful. you won’t beleive how happy I am to have read this today

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

Thank you Patrik! This quote is my favourite; one I definitely try to live by

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

You’re very welcome Joan…

Sometimes we have to reach high speeds (mind whirling with worries) before we can even register that we have to slam on the breaks!! I don’t know why, but I’m guessing it’s got something to do with lack of direction and clarity.

Once we find these then everything’s okay and life is beautiful again

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

Thank you Mick that’s awesome! I’m so pleased that the article struck a chord with you. I hope to write another article for tinybuddah soon

Mick Norris

Yeah please do and I’ve signed up to clear thinking now too and I love how clearly you write and make it so straightforward it gives you the impetus to strive for it. Only a month ago I was in a very dark place and I’m lucky I’m alive but since then I’ve been using this site and others like talkdoctor and happify to keep positive and inspired but your writing really resonates, so thanks. Like you said in one of your articles “when you’re ready to learn a teacher appears”

http://simpleworksorganzing.com/ Simple Works Organizing

You will know when you have fully connected with your authentic self when you no longer have to question whether or not you are.

Food for thought.

http://twitter.com/shellyrmiller Shelly Miller

Nice article Meredith, the steps are perfect! Going back to your childhood is a GREAT idea.

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

I’m glad you’ve come out of that dark place Mick, with the help of some great teachers. Lori has done a fantastic job with tinybuddah–a great source of inspiration. Glad I could help too

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

Very True!

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.forder Meredith Forder

Thank you Shelly, that’s very kind of you.

http://www.facebook.com/wade.lowe.7 Wade Lowe

Bravo Meredith ! ! !

http://www.stopstressandanxiety.com/ Mulyadi Kurnia

Hi! Yes, I strong believe that one must try to be authentic to oneself as much as possible. One should try to lead one’s life as much as possible according to what he/she likes to do and to try not to worry about what other people think of him/her. Only then, a fulfilled and meaningful life is more of a possibility.

http://www.heartspoken.com/ Elizabeth H. Cottrell

Thank you, Meredith. This is a wonderful reminder of why connecting with one’s authentic self is not selfish but empowering.

Join the Tiny Buddha list for daily or weekly emails and receive 92 Life Lessons for free.

Latest Inspiring Image

Disclaimer

This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Tiny Buddha is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition. Before using the site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Who Runs Tiny Buddha?

Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. Click here to read more.